What is dialysis access management in Miami Beach? Many people are told that they need one, but they aren’t really sure what they’re getting or what the process looks like. Dialysis access has other names including hemodialysis and vascular access. Essentially, the process includes blood traveling through a soft tube to a dialysis machine. The dialysis machine then cleans the blood as it moves through a particular filter. This filter is called a dialyzer. This treatment is excellent for those who are experiencing kidney failure. The dialysis helps to remove salt and water, as well as controlling blood pressure.
Fistula or Graft Care: Dialysis Access Management Miami Beach
The access point to the blood is either a fistula or a graft. The fistula is made by combining an artery and vein, usually in the arm. The graft is a soft tube to join the vein and artery, where a catheter is a tube that is placed in a larger vein, usually found in the neck. A fistula is usually a person’s first choice as it is simply easier and causes fewer issues. However, having a fistula means that the patient will need to have strong blood vessels. There are many ways to care for each of these inserts. Fortunately, your vascular professional can give you plenty of tips and tricks as far as handling and caring for your dialysis management.
Fistula Care / Graft Care
You’ll want to wash the fistula or graft with an antibacterial soap daily. Don’t scratch, even if it could feel uncomfortable. If you’re feeling uncomfortable, check for redness, warmth, or pimples in the area. Whenever you’re having a dialysis treatment check in, simply ask the professional to swap out your needles to make sure everything is staying clean and steril. If you want to check the access to ensure it’s working the way it’s supposed to, you can check the blood flow. You can also avoid wearing tight clothing or jewelry to make sure you’re not restricting any blood flow.
Catheter
Always ensure that the catheter stays dry. This will avoid any infections that could occur. Because the catheter is in a sensitive area, it’s important that it be well-taken care of. Clean the dressings every time you have an analysis appointment. If for any reason you need to do an emergency cleaning, ensure that you have a kit at home.
At Palm Vascular Centers, we offer dialysis access management in Miami Beach. Our physicians are board certified in Vascular and Interventional Radiology. Whether you’re in need of assistance with blood clots, peripheral arterial disease, uterine fibroid embolization, vascular diseases, or dialysis access management, we’re here to help! To make an appointment or to learn more, contact us today at 954-315-2000. We offer fistulograms, angioplasty, thromboembolectomy, vessel mapping, central venous access placement, and arterial stentings. As you can see, we do it all and we can’t wait to help you live healthier, better, and perhaps even longer.
